Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office announced a temporary burn ban on July 23rd whereby all outdoor burning has been prohibited including yard debris and land clearing fires. Today’s they announced that recreational fires are now added to that list and the change is effective immediately for all areas of unincorporated Whatcom County.
Propane fire pits without solid wood burning material will still be allowed, along with propane and charcoal BBQs. Care should be used in the disposal of any used charcoal and ashes. Charcoal and ash should be discarded of in a metal container and dowsed with water. The container should be kept 10 feet from any structures or trees for 72 hours. Wood burning fire pits or similar enclosures with grates are NOT considered barbecues and not allowed.Whatcom County Fire Marshal announcement – September 9, 2020
Violations of these burn restrictions can result in a minimum $250.00 fine. In addition, if you have an illegal fire that escapes or needs to be extinguished by the fire department, you may be held financially and criminally responsible.
Whatcom County Fire Marshal bans do not apply to locations within the City of Ferndale and other incorporated areas of the county. The city remains under a permanent burn ban that does allow for recreational fires unless city officials decide otherwise.
No one from the city was able to be reached to report whether they would be temporarily adding recreational fires to the permanent burn ban within the city limits.